The Unwilling

It was tradition among the earlier Kings of Númenor that, when their long lives at last reached old age, they would give up their lives voluntarily and pass the Kingship on to their Heir. This tradition came to an end with Tar-Atanamir, the thirteenth ruler of the Isle, who refused to relinquish his life or his rule. For this reason, he is called The Unwilling. After Tar-Atanamir's time, the old ways were abandoned, and the Kings and Queens of Númenor would hold the Sceptre until last moments of their lives.